We started the Bijou Cafe in June 1986 as a small 50 seat restaurant in a downtown location that many people were hesitant to visit. Things changed dramatically over the years and we are now in the heart of a thriving and exciting urban center… and for that we are truly grateful!

In honor of that date 29 years ago and to thank our loyal Bijou family and friends we are offering our three course “Customer Appreciation Dinner Menu” all summer long for the “last century” price of only $32.86 in addition to our “Customer Appreciation Lunch Menu” for $19.86.

From time to time we have to make room in our wine cellar for new wines. In order to empty the bins we hold a tremendous sale and offer these wines at drastically reduced prices. They are all perfectly good wines, we simply don’t have enough of each one to take up a whole bin, hence the “Bin End” Sale!

If you buy 12or more at one time (a case) we offer an additional 10% discount! For the summer only…. you can purchase a bottle from the bin end list and enjoy it with your dinner or lunch without any corkage fee! Now that’s a deal!

What does it mean to be a suncoast local? Suncoast community members enjoy the best that Florida has to offer. Prime beaches, exclusive Gulf access, an abundance of arts, cultural attractions, and of course, leading dining experiences. We are proud to be a part of the flourishing Sarasota economy for almost 30 years. From museums to aquariums to plays and operas, there's no shortage of exceptional establishments.

The Bijou Café has been a part of downtown Sarasota's fine dining foundation for over two decades. We are one of the eight original independent restauranteers from Sarasota and Manatee County who assembled to preserve and celebrate our community's culinary identity. Collectively, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals form some of the most highly regarded restaurants in the nation. The Bijou has been awarded top ratings from food critics, local publications and national surveys.

More important than the ratings, we are honored by the privilege of being part of the local community. We live here, we shop here, we dine here, we form real connections here. Whether it's the local business owner who comes in for a meal, or the out of town guest who supports us during season, we're all contributing to help Sarasota flourish.

There are fine dining establishments across the nation, but the suncoast is unique. We live where people vacation – it doesn't get much better than that! Sunshine is plentiful, wildlife is everywhere, the sands are white, the people are friendly and the food is exceptional.

Tourists come to relax, fish, golf, explore, shop and experience culture. Residents stay for the same exact reasons! Why is suncoast dining superior to the rest? Sarasota offers a small town feel with the shopping and dining variety of a larger city. A mellow, beach vibe with the excitement of great businesses all around.

You're always welcome to dine with us at The Bijou Café! But we understand – the comfort of your own home is the perfect setting to enjoy a nice meal! We've come up with five simplified, easy-prep dinner ideas inspired by our award winning menu for you to try at home! Anyone can make these dishes and we encourage you to add your own flair to spice things up and make these recipe basics your own.

1. Chicken Paillard

Drizzle chicken with olive oil and garlic, making sure to cover evenly. Add salt, pepper and lemon as needed. Place fresh cutlets in a skillet on medium heat and cook each side for several minutes. In another pan, melt butter and stir in a couple tablespoons with all purpose flour. Whisk in two cups chicken stock. To serve, add the sauce to your plate, followed by greens and the chicken cutlets, garnish with tomatoes or add sautéed spinach and veggies to compliment the dish.

2. Crab Bisque

In a skillet, add several tablespoons butter and flour to create a roux. Whisk in 1 1/3 cup chicken broth. Sautée onions and stir into sauce, adding a cup of cream, lemon juice, cayenne and salt (to taste) or optional cognac and sherry - simmering for 30 minutes. Add blue crab and baby shrimp (optional) and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until heated and serve!

3. Roasted Duck

Rub duck with salt and pepper and desired seasonings. Roast duck at 375 degrees in a deep pan for an hour. Remove duck, pour out the fat and place in the pan. Lather in butter, rotate and continue cooking for an additional hour or until skin is crisp and brown. The Bijou adds a special bread pudding stuffing and cherry Merlot sauce for extra flavor!

4. Filet Mignon

Bring wine to a boil in a sauce pan, then simmer for 20 minutes. Brush sauce onto steaks and roll in peppercorns. Grill for 5 minutes on each side. Sautée mushroom and garlic in a separate pan. Serve steaks with sautéed veggies and enjoy!

5. Oven Roasted Salmon

Rub fillets with oil, then salt and pepper to your liking. Cook at 450 degrees for a minimum of 8 minutes, and make sure to check back frequently so that you avoid overcooking (up to 15 minutes should do it). When fish starts to flake easily with a fork, remove. Top with a creole tomato glaze and serve with a side of fresh, homemade mashed potatoes!

Have you made your plans for Mother's Day? Join us at The Bijou Café – make your reservations now! In addition to our complete award winning dinner menu, our chefs will be preparing the following special a la carte menu for Sunday.

It's that time of year again! The weather is heating up, summer is getting closer and we're gearing up for this season's monthly wine tastings. The traffic has slowed down a bit, there are parking spaces available and we kind of enjoy having our town back for a while!

Join us for the return of First Friday wine tastings at the Bijou Café on Friday, May 1st. Admission is $20 and this gives you access to some of the finest wine selections in town! We'll pick some of our favorites to delight your palette and wine merchants will be pouring some of the best juice for your enjoyment.

The tasting starts at 5:00 pm and we recommend showing up fashionably early! It's first come first serve and you'll want to savor every last drop. Our always pleasant Bijou team will be passing around delicious hors d'oeuvres as well as a plentiful cheese board to accompany your wine selections. Your taste buds will be exploding with gratitude.

Interested in wines by the bottle? As a bonus, we're offering special promotions during the event. We offer competitive pricing and an added 10% discount when you buy by the case. This way you can mix and match!

We look forward to seeing you at the wine tasting! Drop us a line if you have any questions 941-366-8111. No reservations needed, just show up and enjoy. Most of the art galleries and shops have extended hours on First Fridays, and there is almost always free entertainment! So grab your friends, stop by the tasting, join us for dinner afterwards and top off your evening with a stroll around the block.

The Bijou's First Friday Wine Tasting – the place to taste, have a great time and get some amazing wine deals!

The Bijou Café is open for all your favorite holidays – including Mother's Day! Wondering where to take the special lady in your life to show your appreciation? We've got you covered! Come celebrate and treat Mom to a night she'll remember.

There are so many reasons to give thanks to the beautiful women in our lives. Our mothers are the ones who nurtured us as children, nurture our own children, teach us right from wrong and support us though the ups and downs. Mom is the one we call for advice and for inspiration when we need it most. Take the time this mother's day to show your mother, sister or wife how appreciated she is!

What are some thoughts that come to mind when you think of your mother? Beautiful, caring, kind hearted, unconditional, strong, wise, radiant, loving. These are the qualities we are acknowledging this Mother's Day!

Fun fact! Did you know that the American holiday of Mother's Day started in 1908, while other cultures have been celebrating similar holidays for centuries? The modern holiday as we know it grew from one woman's desire to honor her mother in the early 1900's, while we continue to spread the tradition today. Mother's Day occurs on the second Sunday in May, and is recognized as a national holiday. Though the celebration has become commercialized over the years, that doesn't take away the heart of what the day is all about, expressing gratitude to our loved ones.

Mother's Day is a holiday for the whole family. We welcome you to spend your Sunday dining with us as we bring you the best cuisine and atmosphere Sarasota has to offer. We're open on Sunday, May 10th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and serving our full award winning menu as well as the chef's specials! Call 941-366-8111 to make your reservations now! Booking also available online at Open Table.

The Bijou Café is the perfect venue for weddings and receptions. Did you know the Bijou is able to host wedding ceremonies? Yes, it's true! In addition to our main dining rooms, we also have access to a lovely courtyard across the street for small weddings.

We can accommodate up to 40 people for private dining or buyout functions for 150+! We are experienced event planners here at the Bijou Café and would be honored to host your next event.

We are members of Weddings of Sarasota, a group of the area's finest wedding and event professionals. The artisans at Weddings of Sarasota are seasoned veterans with the ability to make your event exactly what you imagine. Together with our party planners, we will answer all of your questions and handle all of the most important details of your big day. You'll be able to relax and let us do what we enjoy the most – create wonderful wedding celebrations and help make all your dreams come true!

In addition to partnering with Weddings of Sarasota, other businesses we work with include elegant floral arrangements by Flowers by Fudgie, custom creations by local Sarasota cake maker Cakes by Ron, hair stylist and makeup artist Tammy Gamso and tent specialists Rental Depot.

Spring is here and there's no better excuse to try some new Spring cocktail recipes! If cocktails are your pleasure, try one of our exclusive mixology creations at The Bijou Café. Find our signature mixed drinks here on our "Latest Gossip" menu. Or try these fun new recipes at home:

Boil water and steep tea bags for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags and add sugar and baking soda. Allow sugar to dissolve and add chambord and vodka. Let the tea cool and then pour over ice and add garnish!

Bring sugar, water and ginger together to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Add blueberries, mint, bourbon and heated syrup into a food processor. Pulse and serve over ice. Add club soda and mint garnish.

Winter wreaked havoc up North this year while we basked in sunshine enjoying our usual Florida balminess. However, as I write this the outside temperature is hovering around 85° and it's not even April yet!

That means it's Spring and Easter is just around the corner! It is a wonderful time to enjoy our many blessings: family, friends, health, our beliefs, and, of course, chocolate!

Please consider bringing your family to The Bijou Café for our outstanding Easter Dinner. We will be offering our award winning dinner menu from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm on Sunday, April 5th.

For the day's specials, our chefs will be preparing our famous Australian Rack of Lamb with minted demi-glace sauce as well as maple glazed Virginia baked ham with all the trimmings.

For the catch of the day, we will be featuring the freshest, local and most sustainable fish we can get. Our seafood presentations are the talk of the town and on Easter Sunday our chefs will once again amaze you with their talents!

Be sure to save some room for our delightfully delicious and delectable desserts! Click here to see our full menu.

Be sure to call right away for reservations as this holiday sells out quickly.

The Bijou Café congratulates Sailor Circus on another successful season!

This past weekend, The Bijou Café's very own J.P. Knaggs had the honor of presenting as Guest Ringmaster at Circus Sarasota with Key Chorale and Cirque des Voix Orchestra. It was an invigorating experience to be a contributor of such an incredible show. The highlight of the performance was a five person high wire act led by members of the iconic Wallenda family.

The circus arts are one of the most well known forms of family entertainment. The Circus Arts Conservatory, a non profit with 80% of its proceeds going to circus outreach, aims to raise awareness about its programs both locally and internationally.

Sarasota is a very special place. There's so much for the public to witness. The circus is what Sarasota County is based on, it's the history of this particular county.

In the 1920's John Ringling moved the Winter quarters for The Ringling Bros to Sarasota and as a result the circus became an active part of Sarasota's unique community. Today, Sarasota is home to The Circus Museum at The Ringling Museum of Arts, The Circus Arts Conservatory and an impressive ensemble of performance and circus arts.

The Sailor Circus Spring shows are underway and they anticipate an eventful season. This year is their 66th anniversary and we expect nothing less than spectacular performances. You can support their cause by purchasing tickets through circusarts.org, or donating to their education program, humor therapy program or Sailor Circus academy (though we highly recommend a show).

The Bijou Café is a Sarasota Original restaurant that has set the standard for fine dining since 1986. We are located in the heart of the Theatre and Arts District in downtown Sarasota, with esteemed neighbors such as Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota Opera House, among others. We feel fortunate to be located in such a special and historic part of downtown. Sarasota is well known for it's theater and arts and this is one aspect of our city that keeps us vibrant and lively.

The Sarasota Opera, now in it's 55th season, established it's roots at the Ringling Museum in the 1920's and later joined the downtown scene in the late 1970's. In 2008, the theater underwent a major historic renovation and added magnificent features and details to the space. There is something for everyone in this world class, intimate venue. The Winter opera season is in full swing, so purchase your tickets and treat yourself to a show. The Bijou Café is a stone's throw from the Opera, so take a stroll over to visit us while your'e there!

We can attribute much of our success to the Sarasota Opera, and want to give special thanks to this thriving establishment. A typical day for us during opera season includes a packed house of Sarasota Opera patrons who are enjoying a meal before or after a show. We are proud to serve an eclectic group of patrons from all over the world at the Bijou Café. We do amazing business in part because of our arts district neighbors, and have the best seat in town to be involved in the busyness and excitement the theater season has to offer.

The Marriage of Figaro / W.A. Mozart / Feb 14 - March 27Featuring the same beloved characters used in Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, but composed 30 years earlier, Mozart's comedy sees Figaro and his fiancée Susanna join with Rosina (now the Countess Almaviva) to thwart her husband’s lechery.

Don Carlos (Paris Version) / Giuseppe Verdi / March 7 - March 24The 2015 installment of the Verdi Cycle is the original Paris Version of the epic Don Carlos. This sweeping drama is one of Verdi’s masterworks.

One of the defining qualities of an exceptional restaurant is the customer service. At the Bijou Café we consider our staff to be like family, and come together to ensure that everyone from waitstaff to owner to managers to chefs are on the same page. We work in unison to provide our guests with the best possible dining experience.

Some qualities of an outstanding customer service team:

The restaurant atmosphere is warm, hospitable and inviting. From the host who greets you at the door to the server who takes your order, each of our staff members greet you with a great attitude.

The staff has an advanced knowledge of menu and wine choices. Here at the Bijou, our menu items and wine selection are always expanding. We do our best to provide you with a helpful and informative description of our specials and dining choices so you are paired with a lunch or dinner that caters to your favorite tastes.

Your servers are attentive, courteous, personable and professional. You can tell from their tone, speech and body language that they are authentically enthusiastic and looking forward to interacting with you!

The food is prepared with attention, skill and care. Our chefs at the Bijou take pride in their art. Chef/Owner J.P. Knaggs personally ensures that each plate is masterfully prepared and adheres to the Bijou's high quality standards.

The restaurant is prepared and accommodating. Even during busy season, we are never too preoccupied to provide you with distinguished customer service.

Our aim is to provide our customers with a welcoming atmosphere, friendly and helpful service, and some of the finest cocktails, wine, desserts and chef specialties that Sarasota has to offer.

We live in a thriving community with a diverse selection of arts and cultural organizations. Downtown Sarasota is the epicenter of all the most exciting local activity. The Bijou Café sits in the heart of it all, and we're proud to be surrounded by such world class neighbors.

Sarasota Opera— Sarasota Opera, now in it's 55th season, established it's roots at the Ringling Museum in the 1920's and joined the downtown scene in the late 1970's. In 2008, the theater underwent a major historic renovation and added magnificent features and details to the space. There is something for everyone in this world class, intimate venue. The Winter opera season is in full swing, so purchase your tickets and treat yourself to a show. The Bijou Café is a stone's throw from the Opera, so take a stroll over to visit us while your'e there!

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens— The gardens are a bayfront oasis dedicated to the study of plants and environmental conservation. Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, Selby is popular to scientists and guests alike. From gardens to banyan groves to a delightful coy pond, the grounds are a colorful, lush wonderland. Events include yoga instruction, feng shui seminars, art classes, weddings, business functions and an array of exhibits. There's always something new happening so check in regularly!

Sarasota Architectural Salvage— Sarasota Architectural Salvage, or SAS, is a retail space filled with antique artifacts, architecture and oddities. Customers include contractors and builders, but the warehouse is also open to the public. You can find anything from refurbished furniture to vintage post cards in this unique showroom. The owner has recently expanded to the Rosemary District and it's newest location is called SAS Mercantile, nestled in the previous Ice House building. This location features less raw material and a more refined collection of goods. SAS is a must see.

Sarasota Chalk Festival— The annual festival is a non profit free to students, children and families. This interactive, international attraction welcomes renowned artists from all over the world. Each year hosts a different theme honoring a relevant piece of local or national culture. The 2015 theme will be announced in the upcoming weeks. The festival is a mere eight years old but boasts global success, and has grown exponentially since the first few years. The event has broken world records, and evolved into a 3-D extravaganza. The Sarasota Chalk Festival is a downtown gem so stay tuned for upcoming details from their site.

Sarasota is well known for it's vivid arts community and abundance of cultural attractions. As locals, we benefit from the diversity of entertainment our community has to offer. In the heart of the Theatre and Arts District, Bijou Café enjoys front row seats to some of the areas finest establishments and special events. Here is an abbreviated list of some of our favorite things to do as a local or visitor to SRQ.

Ringling Museum of Art — Since the beginning of the 20th century, citizens of Florida and people worldwide have marveled at the legacy that John Ringling has created. If you're a native of the area, you know the story well. The founder built the museum on his own property out of passion for art and education. Over the years the Ringling Museum has become a hub for creative vision, hosting innovative exhibitions and special functions for all to enjoy. Specifically, a night life event called Ringling Underground, a fusion of regional art and live music. Don't miss the upcoming event on March 5th from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm in the Museum of Art Courtyard.

Burns Court Cinema — Established in 1984, the Sarasota Film Society has brought independent and international artistic cinema to our neighborhood for years. The Film Society has expanded and now has two local theaters, one in Lakewood Ranch and of course our favorite in downtown Sarasota. Now playing, The Imitation Game, based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top secret code school during the darkest days of World War II. Also, McFarland, USA, a story about a track coach in a small California town who transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. Visit their website for upcoming show times.

Mote Marine Laboratory — From their humble beginnings in Florida, this research facility has grown to include extensive research programs, an international internship curriculum, an impressive aquarium featuring a variety of marine animals, fish and a 135,000 gallon shark habitat. Mote's latest exhibit, "Oh Baby" explores ocean animal romance and life cycles. This family friendly marine-scientist gallery invites you to learn more about our ecosystem and encourages conservation and restoration. You won't want to miss this fun attraction, open for a limited time.

Sarasota Farmers Market— The Sarasota Farmers Market is a year round, weekly market on Saturdays from 7 am to 1 pm on Main St. and Lemon Ave. and on Wednesdays at Five Points Park from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The market maintains it's tradition in providing the community with fresh produce and hand crafted artisan goods. Some of our favorite regular vendors include Worden Farm, Sarafresh Juice, Local Coffee + Tea among many, many more. Rain or shine, the Sarasota Farmers Market is sure to please.

This year we are lucky enough to have the 14th of February fall on a Saturday! This is typically the busiest night of the week for us and it's also an Opera night, so needless to say we are filling up rapidly!

Just in case you have not been able to secure a table for the 14th, we are making this year a Valentine's Weekend! We will be offering our romantic, extra special, delightfully delicious Special Valentine's Menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. This special menu will be offered in addition to our award winning full dinner menu.

So, if you were unable to get a table on Valentine's Day, make the most of the weekend and reserve a romantic table for two on Friday or Sunday night. Your sweetheart will be just as impressed!

The internationally famous Forks & Corks Food and Wine Festival is almost here! This amazing weekend of food, wine, and fun, brought to you by the Sarasota-Manatee Originals, begins Fri., Jan. 23. We're inviting you to join us here at the Bijou for a winemaker's dinner featuring a five-course meal and wine pairings at 7 pm on Jan. 23; tickets are $95.00 per person plus tax and gratuity and we expect them to go fast so call now for yours!

The name DeLoach has long been associated with excellent California wines. After selling their original flagship winery, the DeLoach family started Hook & Ladder on 375 acres situated in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. Today the family run business is as successful as ever and producing award winning wines! Michael DeLoach, president and all around fun guy, will be here to show his wines.

in 1962, Maggie and Harry Wetzel purchased a large portion of a homestead built by Cyrus Alexander, the valley's nineteenth century namesake. In 1975 the family built a small winery and Hank Wetzel, oldest son of Maggie and Harry, produced Alexander Valley Vineyards' first wine. The 3rd generation of the Wetzel Family is now active in the winery and continues the family tradition at AVV. Hank, a knowledgeable, warm and friendly chap, will be here pouring his family wines.

Confectionary delights are an excellent way to show your love and affection for your special someone, as is a trip to the Opera!

February 14 happens to fall on the night of a performance of "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Sarasota Opera House and to make the spectacular simple, we’ve chosen our top three desserts for this romantic evening:

Bijou’s Assorted Authentic Italian Gelati and Sorbettos: a taste of Italy sets the stage perfectly for an after-dinner date for the Italian-sung comedy opera The Marriage of Figaro.

It's hard to believe it's already the holidays. The year has flown by and it's time to celebrate! Whether you have friends coming in town, are ringing in the new year with family, or are just enjoying a nice relaxing holiday, the Bijou has the perfect, easy, and delicious plan for you!

Be the hit of the holidays this season by hosting your holiday party in one of our exquisite private dining rooms. We add the extra little touches that make your celebration a memorable event, from passed hors d'oeuvres to an elegant sit down dinner party and everything in between. There are rooms still available, please call Karen Thomson, our GM and party coordinator at 941-366-8111 for more information.

If you can't make it to the Bijou, at least you can still bring The Bijou home to you! Serve your guests our famous Pommes Gratin Dauphinois at your own table. Just bring in your favorite casserole dish and we will fill it with our scrumptious potatoes. It's that simple! Finish the dish in your oven at home (we give you a printed slip with all the directions), and when your friends and family savor the delectable aromas of crusty baked Gruyere cheese and fresh cream, garlic and potatoes they'll thank you lovingly. You can take all the credit, of course!

Gift cards are also available in any denomination you wish! They do not expire and one size fits all! We mail free to anywhere in the US. We can also Fedex next day for a modest fee. Visit our website and order your gift cards on-line by clicking right here!

The entire Knaggs and Bijou Cafe Family wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and a happy and prosperous new year.

Holiday Hours at The Bijou:

Dec 24 Christmas Eve: open from 5:00pm until 8:00pm, closed for lunch

Dec 25 Christmas Day: Closed

Dec 31 New Years Eve: open at 6:00pm, seating until 10:00pm

Jan 1 New Years Day: Closed to recuperate!

Sundays: Starting Jan 4, open on Sundays for dinner only from 4:00pm until 8:00pm

Call us to make your reservations today at 941-366-8111 or RSVP online!